MEMORIAL INCLUDES TRIBUTE TO MEDAL OF HONOR WINNER

In Focus – By CR Brown

Veteran’s day has come and gone. Wednesday’s parade down East 3 Notch Street, ending at the Veterans’ Memorial drew hundreds who wanted to pay tribute to all those soldiers from Covington County who have served in the military and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country. In fact, beginning with World War I and ending with Desert Storm, 179 of America’s finest from the local area perished in no less than six different conflicts. World War II claimed the highest toll with 109 killed in action and another 16 held as prisoner of war.

Though all 179 are heroes by all accounts, one particular soldier’s story is the kind of experience from which legends are made. His story can be found on the monument pictured above at the Veteran’s Memorial Park located just behind Andalusia City Hall. It is the story of Rodney J. Evans, the only Covington County recipient (posthumously awarded) of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Rodney J. Evans was a sergeant in the U.S. Army, Company D. First Battalion, 12th Calvary, 1st Cavalry Division. He became a casualty of war on 18 July 1969 in the Tay Ninh Province of the Republic of Vietnam. His was not just a soldier’s death, but a hero’s death – one that brought the highest honor that his country could bestow upon him.

The inscription on the monument reads.

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Evans distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism while serving as squad leader in a reconnaissance sweep through heavy vegetation to reconnoiter a strong enemy position. As the force approached a well defined trail, the platoon scout warned that the trail was booby-trapped. Sgt. Evans led his squad on a route parallel to the trail. The force had started to move forward when a nearby squad was hit by the blast of a concealed mine. Looking to his right Sgt. Evans saw a second enemy device. With complete disregard for his safety he shouted a warning to his men, dived to the ground and crawled toward the mine. Just as he reached it an enemy soldier detonated the explosive and Sgt. Evans absorbed the full impact with his body. His gallant and selfless action saved his comrades from probable death or injury and served as an inspiration to his entire unit. Sgt. Evans’ gallantry in action at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the U.S. Army.”

The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest military award for bravery. Only 3448 medals have been awarded since it was created in 1863.